FAQ

• Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to a couple hours.

• Root canal treatments can vary in cost mainly due to insurance and location of the infected tooth. In general the further back in your mouth the more difficult the procedure and the more expensive. With that being said, root canal costs can be anywhere from $300 to $900 (or more if you see an endodontist). Insurance may cover all of it or none of it. It’s best to contact your insurance to review your benefits. After an exam, our team will give you an estimate based on your insurance contribution.

• For most patients, getting a root canal feels just like getting a filling! You’ll feel some pressure and vibration. Root canals get a bad rep from the media, but they are much easier than most patients believe them to be.

• There is no need for downtime after a root canal. Most patients return to their scheduled activities the same day!

• After a root canal procedure, we recommend you eat soft foods to avoid irritation and to allow your mouth to heal quickly. Skip hard and sticky foods until your tooth has a crown placed on it! After a root canal, your tooth is prone to cracking and breaking. Please wait until your numbness wears off before you eat so that you don’t accidentally bite an area that has no sensation. Numbing usually wears off within 1-3 hours from the injection.

• The cost of dental xrays depends on many factors, from the type of xray to your dental insurance coverage. Our team can provide you an estimate based on the number and type of xrays needed. Most dental insurance plans cover xrays, however, we always recommend checking your individual dental insurance plan benefits.

• During your pregnancy, you may need to have X-rays taken. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, dental care, including dental X-rays, are safe during pregnancy. Use of the leaded apron and thyroid collar will protect you and your baby from radiation exposure. A clearance letter from your OBGYN may be requested by our team. Dental X-rays also do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

• Dental xrays are recommended every 12 months for healthy adults. If you are receiving dental treatment, present with symptoms or a dental related disease, xrays may be recommended more often.

• It is advisable to treat periodontal diseases as they arise. Expect tooth loss at a rapid rate if left untreated.

• Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the condition. Treatments range from a deep cleaning to surgery. No matter what type of treatment you have, it’s important to maintain good dental hygiene after treatment to prevent progression of the disease.

• Periodontal disease is classified as an infection, and the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can be transmitted by saliva. Therefore if you are married to a spouse with periodontal disease, then your chances of having gum problems are higher.

The bone loss associated with periodontitis (the advanced stage of periodontal disease) cannot be reversed, only slowed and maintained through surgical and non-surgical therapy. However, gingivitis can be reversed. Therefore, it is important to catch periodontal disease in its early gingivitis stage.

• A periodontist can practice general dentistry. A periodontist was once a general dentist who completed additional education to become a specialist and therefore is qualified to practice both general dentistry and periodontics.

• A prosthodontist can practice general dentistry. A prosthodontist was once a general dentist who completed additional education to become a specialist and therefore is qualified to practice both general dentistry and prosthodontics.

• Restorative dentistry includes a number of procedures, including but not limited to, fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.

• TMJ disorder needs treatment right away. TMD is primarily treated with custom splints, such as a nightguard. It is important to see a doctor for one of these splints or night guards. Do not order a guard online or purchase one over-the-counter because these guards could make symptoms much worse. Other modalities of treatment include botox, physical therapy, and medications. If a particular case of TMD is severe, it may be recommended for the patient to see a TMJ specialist. In order to treat TMJ disorder, it is important to start with a consultation with one of our doctors to determine which form of treatment would be best for you.

TMD, or TMJ disorder, is serious. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder may lead to severe pain and decreased quality of life. If not treated correctly and promptly, one may spend their life in severe discomfort or need joint replacement surgery.

TMJ disorder is characterized by inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. Inflammation caused by TMJ can reach the sensors in your ears that are responsible for sending information to your brain about the position and movement of your body. As a result, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and experience a jarring loss of balance.

• In order to get rid of jaw pain, the cause must be known. Because there are many causes of jaw pain, it is best to schedule an emergency visit with our office right away to address the pain.

• Wisdom teeth may absolutely cause jaw pain. Jaw pain related to wisdom teeth can occur at teen years or later, however, the most common time to experience jaw pain from wisdom teeth is between 17-25 years of age. If you are experiencing jaw pain, it is important to schedule an emergency appointment.

• A cavity may cause jaw pain. A cavity is an infection of the tooth and is one of the most common reasons for jaw pain. Therefore, if you suspect you have a cavity or if you are experiencing jaw pain, it is important to schedule an emergency appointment right away.

• Few dental insurances contribute towards dental implants at this time. It is best to check your individual dental insurance plan benefits.

• When implants are maintained with good oral hygiene through proper brushing and flossing, they can service a patient for a lifetime. Dental implants are a great choice for replacing spaces or hopeless teeth.

• A dental implant is a small post, usually made of titanium (or zirconia), that serves as a substitute for the root of the tooth. A connector, known as an abutment, is placed on, or built into, the top of the dental implant, which connects it to the replacement tooth. Finally, a crown, a replacement tooth, is custom made to match your natural teeth, completing the dental implant

• Cosmetic procedures are usually not covered by a dental insurance plan. However, in some circumstances, cosmetic procedures may receive contribution from a dental insurance plan on a case by case basis.

• The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies greatly, depending on the treatment the patient needs. It is best to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to receive the best estimate.

• Braces, a type of orthodontics, is related to cosmetic dentistry. It is used to achieve a functional and beautiful smile. When speaking in terms of insurance coverage, individual dental insurance plans may or may not contribute to orthodontics. It’s best to contact your insurance to review your benefits.

Cosmetic dentistry can fix a variety of problems and focuses on beautification of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can fix broken, chipped, crooked, stained, or missing teeth. In order to learn what the possibilities are for your smile, please schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.

• Juvederm is generally administered in units of 1mL (or 1cc) – and the average price is $550-$750 per syringe

• Juvederm is safe for adults ages 21 and older who have not had a history of allergy to lidocaine or gram positive bacterial proteins. Risks include unintentional injection into a blood vessel. Use of dermal filler in areas of sores, rashes, pimples for cysts should be postponed and avoided.

• On average we have found that Juvederm filler lasts on average 6-9 months until is slowly fades away.

• Botox is an injectable drug doctors can use to treat wrinkles and facial creases, as well as to treat side effects from muscle pain and migraines caused by clenching.

• Botox is administered in units and can cost anywhere from $10-$18/unit

• In some patients the effects of Botox can start to be seen in as quickly as 24-48hrs, but best results are typically seen within 7-10 days following the injections

There have been no studies done on pregnant women to test the effects on an unborn child, so Botox treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When botox is injected into the muscle, it blocks the signal to tell the muscles to contract, causing the muscle to relax. When the muscle is relaxed, it will no longer be able to fold the tissue above the muscle and allows the tissue to lay flat over the bones and wrinkles in that area soften or fade away.

Botox is considered safe to use when given in small doses and administered by a licensed healthcare provider. Possible side effects include: bruising, temporary pain at the injection site, redness, nausea, headaches and temporary facial drooping or weakness.

While the injection is being administered, you will feel a slight sting or pinch at the time of injection, but many people find the

• In office teeth whitening is safe, however, you may experience some symptoms associated with whitening. There are few minor side effects that a patient may or may not experience after whitening. These include sensitive teeth and gum irritation. It is best to closely follow the directions provided to you by your dental provider to ensure a comfortable whitening experience.

• Teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the patient’s habits. Teeth will stain more quickly with smoking, drinking staining liquids like wine, tea, and coffee, or eating staining foods like berries.

• In general, we do not recommend whitening toothpastes as they are often abrasive and can damage the teeth or cause sensitivity. If you looking to brighten and whiten your smile, please schedule a consultation to see which whitening options would work best for you.

• Most dental insurances do not cover any cosmetic procedures, such as whitening.

• Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter. Not all teeth will whiten, therefore it is important to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors prior to choosing your method of whitening.

Veneers can range from $1,200-$2,200 depending on the dentist or specialist placing the veneers or the type of veneers used for treatment.